KLM has put the planned “upscaling” of its European network on hold, and says it will operate around 55 per cent of capacity across the region in November.
The Dutch carrier said that the decision had been made “Owing to adjusted travel warnings, prompting Code Orange (essential travel only) designations for the UK, Spain, parts of France and other countries”.
The airline added that “quarantine rules in the United Kingdom have had a particularly marked impact on KLM’s network”, and said it would be keeping “close tabs on the developing situation with regard to travel warnings issued by the authorities in the Netherlands and elsewhere”.
The carrier had been “gradually and responsibly” expanding its European and intercontinental network this summer, and in August served close to 100 per cent of European destinations, albeit at around 60 per cent of capacity compared to pre-Covid-19 levels.
KLM also welcomed the European Commission’s decision to extended slot waivers for the winter timetable, stating that it would enable the carrier “to respond more adequately to the rapidly changing market conditions as a result of Covid-19”.
“In addition to the financial impact, operating less well-filled flights would also be undesirable from a sustainability perspective,” it added.
Outside of Europe KLM will add a circle flight to Edmonton on October 29, operating Clagary-Edmonton-Amsterdam. The carrier’s planned resumption of flights to Riyadh has however been pushed back from September 26 to December 7.